Middle East Travel Vaccines & Health Tips
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart with vaccine recommendations, desert health tips, and pre-travel advice from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Travel to the Middle East
From the towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the historic ruins of Petra and the bustling markets of Istanbul, the Middle East offers a rich tapestry of culture, religion, history, and modern innovation.
In recent years, countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have become increasingly popular among Singaporean travellers — whether for business trips, cultural exploration, or desert adventures.
Every year, hundreds of pilgrims in Singapore travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj.
Best time to go: October–April (cooler desert months)
Popular cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Amman, Riyadh, Istanbul
Popular for: Luxury travel, desert safaris, religious pilgrimages (Umrah, Hajj), archaeological sites, food tourism
Visa-free or e-visa travel is available for many Middle Eastern countries, and with direct flights from Changi, the region is more accessible than ever.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to the Middle East
Recommended Vaccines for the Middle East:
- Influenza Vaccine - Recommended all year round.
- Hepatitis A – For food safety, especially when consuming street food or eating at small local eateries.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - For longer trips or where medical procedures might be needed.
- Typhoid Vaccine – For rural travel or adventurous food experiences.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine - For travellers age 65 above and those with chronic conditions.
Required Vaccine for Hajj:
There are currently 3 vaccines required for travelling to the Middle East for Hajj. Proof of vaccination must be ready before departure:
- Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
- Influenza Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to the Middle East.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of the Middle East, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | $45 | 3 doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months Booster: at least 2 weeks before travel if previously vaccinated |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Typhoid | $39 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Influenza* | $45 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Meningococcal (ACWY)* | $150 | 1 dose, valid for 5 years Take at least 10 days before travel |
| COVID-19* | Coming soon | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
*Required for Singapore pilgrims traveling for Hajj
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Vaccines for Pilgrims Travelling for Hajj
MOH and CDA requires all Singapore pilgrims to be vaccinated before travelling to safeguard their health throughout the journey. The vaccine requirements are:
Quadrivalent Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY) - To complete at least 10 days before departure and show proof of vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccine - Proof of a single dose of an updated COVID‑19 vaccine for the 2024–2025 season; or Completion of primary vaccination series during 2021–2023; or Laboratory-confirmed recovery from COVID‑19 in 2024.
Influenza Vaccine - Proof of influenza vaccine received within 12 months of departure.
Source: MOH
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah
- People with respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, sinus issues)
- Travellers doing desert trekking, hiking, or outdoor sports
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
- Respiratory assessment for those with known allergies or asthma
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For desert climates and high-dust environments, we recommend:
- Oral rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (loperamide, charcoal pills)
- Nasal spray (saline-based or decongestant)
- Antihistamines (for dust and sand allergies)
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Motion sickness meds (for train or mountain travel)
- Antiseptic wipes and plasters
- Sunscreen and hand sanitiser
- Water purification tablets or portable filter (optional but useful for remote travel)
- Heat rash cream or cooling gel
- Eye drops (for dryness or irritation)
- Reusable water bottle
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Stay hydrated – Dry desert air dehydrates you faster than you realise
Avoid peak sun hours – Especially between 11AM–4PM
Wear a mask or scarf – During sandstorms or windy days
Dress appropriately – Loose, breathable clothes help regulate body temperature
Use lip balm and moisturiser – To combat dry air
Check air quality – Especially in cities with dust pollution
If you’re visiting during Hajj or Umrah, be especially mindful of:
- Crowd-related illness
- Heatstroke prevention
- Foot hygiene and blister prevention
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever
- Respiratory symptoms
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Rashes or insect bites
- Seek medical advice if symptoms appear within 7–10 days of return — especially if you visited rural areas, participated in large religious gatherings, or experienced dust exposure.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Medical clearance (for pilgrims)
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to the Middle East?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
